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Pakistan, a country located in Southeast Asia, has a population of about 220.9 million as of 2020, according to the World Bank. Despite its seemingly benign exterior, Pakistan has made significant strides on the global stage, including becoming a nuclear power and a key player in Asian trade.
This progress is underpinned by
its strong educational institutions. Today, we explore five of the most
challenging degrees in Pakistan, which also reflect the broader context of the
toughest degrees and exams worldwide.
1.
MBBS
The quest to become a medical doctor in Pakistan is a formidable one. According to Gulf News (2020), nearly 40,000 high-ranking Pakistani doctors are practicing in the USA, UK, and other European countries. Achieving this prestigious status is no easy feat, especially considering the historical and socio-political challenges faced by Pakistan.
The rigorous nature of MBBS in Pakistani
institutes has led many to question, "Is MBBS the toughest course in the
world?" With the extensive syllabus and demanding practical training, it’s
no wonder MBBS is often considered one of the most difficult degrees in
Pakistan and around the globe. The course's complexity makes it one of the
hardest degrees to pursue and complete.
2.
Chartered Accountancy (CA)
Chartered Accountancy (CA) is another challenging field. In Pakistan, only a few institutes in major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore are registered by ICAP to offer CA programs. The difficulty of obtaining a CA degree in Pakistan is well-documented, with many sources labeling it as one of the most demanding degrees in the country.
This high level of difficulty aligns with
global perceptions of CA as a tough qualification, often debated in discussions
about the hardest degree in the world. The rigorous exams and extensive
training required make CA a noteworthy contender for the title of the most
difficult degree.
3.
Engineering
Engineering remains a popular yet challenging field in Pakistan, with numerous colleges and universities offering programs in civil, mechanical, chemical, and software engineering, among others. Despite its widespread availability, the field is highly competitive and saturated, leading to difficulties in securing well-paid jobs post-graduation.
According to The News (2020), the saturation of
experienced professionals makes engineering one of the toughest degrees to both
enter and succeed in. This scenario is reflective of global trends where
engineering is consistently listed among the hardest degrees to pursue.
4.
Mathematics
Mathematics,
particularly at advanced levels, is known for its complexity and has
consistently been a challenging subject for students. The Express Tribune
highlighted issues with primary education in mathematics, noting that students
often struggle with advanced concepts. This difficulty is further emphasized by
Pakistan’s low ranking in the International Mathematical Olympiad 2021.
Advanced mathematics is thus one of the most difficult subjects in Pakistan and
globally, often cited among the toughest courses due to its abstract and
complex nature.
5.
History
Studying
History in Pakistan presents unique challenges. Unlike subjects with structured
patterns, History involves understanding complex narratives and contexts that
are not always straightforward. Teaching History can be arduous due to its
broad scope and lack of clear-cut rules. This makes it one of the more
difficult degrees to master, as it demands critical thinking and comprehensive
knowledge, aligning it with the global perception of challenging fields of
study.
In
summary, while Pakistan's educational system produces graduates who excel
internationally, the path to obtaining these degrees is fraught with
challenges. Whether it’s MBBS, CA, Engineering, Mathematics, or History, each
of these fields presents its own set of difficulties. For those considering
these paths, it's crucial to weigh these challenges carefully and prepare for
some of the most rigorous academic experiences globally.
